Aspirin
| Generic Name | Aspirin |
| Brand Names | Ascriptin, Bufferin, Ecotrin, Halfprin, St. Joseph Chewable Aspirin |
| Ingredients | Acetylsalicylic Acid |
| Drug Class | Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (Nsaid) |
| Dosage Forms | Capsule, Extended Release, Tablet, Chewable Capsule, Liquid Filled and Intravenous |
| Controlled Status | Not a Controlled Substance |
| Availability | Prescription Medication and Over the Counter |
What is Aspirin?
Aspirin, also known as acetylsalicylic acid, is a pharmaceutical medication employed to alleviate pain and inflammation. It falls under the category of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Aspirin finds application in the treatment of the following conditions: Mild to moderate pain, Fever, Swollen, red and tender body tissues, Rheumatoid arthritis, Rheumatic fever.
Furthermore, it is utilized in the prevention of blood clots, heart attacks, strokes and colorectal cancer. Individuals with kidney disease, liver impairment or hemophilia should seek medical advice before using aspirin.
What is Aspirin Used for?
Aspirin serves various roles in healthcare. In its primary capacity, it provides pain relief and reduces fever. In secondary applications, aspirin’s anti-inflammatory properties make it a suitable option for conditions like arthritis, and it is used in lower doses to prevent cardiovascular issues and reduce the risk of colorectal cancer in certain cases.
In the tertiary context, aspirin is a crucial tool as an antiplatelet agent, employed to prevent blood clots after cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes, and it plays a role in managing antiphospholipid syndrome, a disorder linked to clot formation. These multiple uses underscore the versatility of aspirin, but it is essential for individuals to use it under the supervision of a healthcare professional, tailored to their specific health needs and risks.
How Does Aspirin Work?
Aspirin is classified as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). In your body, there are proteins called Cyclooxygenase-1 and -2 (COX-1 and COX-2) that instigate inflammation. Aspirin works by inhibiting these proteins, COX-1 and COX-2, which in turn reduces swelling and alleviates pain.
When taken at lower doses, such as 81 mg, aspirin primarily targets COX-1 more than COX-2. This specific action helps prevent your blood cells, known as platelets, from aggregating or clumping together.
Platelets play a crucial role in forming clots to staunch bleeding when injuries occur. However, these clots can potentially obstruct the flow of blood within your blood vessels, ultimately increasing the risk of a heart attack or stroke. By impeding the tendency of your platelets to stick together and form hazardous blood clots, aspirin may reduce the likelihood of experiencing a heart attack or stroke.
Aspirin Dosage
Aspirin is available in various dosage forms and strengths, both for adults and pediatric patients. These include tablet formulations in strengths of 81 mg, 325 mg, and 500 mg. There are also delayed-release tablets with strengths of 162 mg, 325 mg, and 500 mg, as well as chewable tablets at 75 mg and 81 mg. Enteric-coated tablets are available in strengths of 81 mg, 162 mg, 325 mg, and 650 mg. Chewing gum provides a dose of 227 mg.
For adult patients, there is an extended-release capsule called Durlaza with a strength of 162.5 mg. Intravenous administration is possible with strengths of 250 mg and 500 mg. In addition, aspirin is available in suppository form with strengths of 60 mg, 120 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg, and 600 mg, offering various options for different medical needs and patient preferences.
For adults, these conditions include Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Fever, Pain management, Myocardial Infarction, Ischemic Stroke, Angina Pectoris, Revascularization Procedures, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Cardiovascular Risk Reduction, and Colorectal Cancer prevention. It also plays a significant role in pediatric care for Fever, Pain, Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, Kawasaki Disease, and Thrombotic/Thromboembolic Disorders.
Additional dosage information is available, specifying Renal Dose Adjustments and Liver Dose Adjustments, highlighting the importance of individualized dosing based on patients’ renal and hepatic functions, ensuring safe and effective administration.
For more information about (Aspirin Dosage)
What are the Side Effects of Aspirin ?
As with many medications, aspirin usage can lead to common side effects, including nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and heartburn. However, it’s vital to be vigilant for serious side effects that warrant immediate medical attention, such as skin issues like hives or rashes, facial swelling, respiratory problems, rapid cardiovascular responses, cold and clammy skin, auditory disturbances, gastrointestinal complications such as bloody vomit or dark stools, and neurological symptoms like confusion, hallucinations, seizures, or behavioral changes. Recognizing and promptly addressing these severe side effects is crucial for ensuring the safe use of aspirin and preserving one’s health.
Aspirin side effects (For more details)
Contact your healthcare provider for guidance regarding any potential side effects. You can also report side effects to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.
What Happens if I Miss a Dose?
Take your medication as soon as you can if you’ve missed a dose, but if it’s nearly time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one. Avoid taking two doses simultaneously.
What Happens if I Overdose?
Signs and Symptoms of overdose may include
- Uncontrollable Shaking of a Part of the Body
- Confusion
- Abnormally Excited Mood
- Hallucination (Seeing Things or Hearing Voices that are Not There)
- Seizures
- Drowsiness
- Loss Of Consciousness for a Period of Time
- Burning Pain In the Throat or Stomach
- Vomiting
- Decreased Urination
- Fever
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Fear or Nervousness
- Dizziness
- Double Vision
In case of a medical emergency, please seek immediate medical assistance or contact the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at poisonhelp.org. Nevertheless, if you are experiencing severe symptoms, please do not hesitate to dial 911 (or your Local Emergency Number) immediately or proceed to the nearest emergency room for immediate medical attention. Your safety and well-being are paramount.
Pros and Cons of Aspirin
| Pros | Cons |
| Lower risk of heart attack and stroke compared to other NSAIDs like ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) | May cause stomach ulcers and bleeding |
| Available in chewable tablet or suppository forms for those with pill-swallowing issues | Could potentially worsen asthma symptoms |
| Provide heart protection for certain individuals when taken at a low dose (81 mg) | Not recommended for treating fevers caused by the flu in children 18 years or younger due to the risk of Reye’s Syndrome |
| Available over-the-counter in a more affordable, generic form | Inappropriate for use in children aged 12 years or less |
Interaction Between Aspirin and other Drugs
- Warfarin
- Methotrexate
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Other Antidepressants
- Anti-Inflammatory Painkillers
- Cidofovir
- Ketorolac
- Probenecid
- Alcohol
- Alendronate
- Bismuth subsalicylate
- Flavocoxid
- Medications for diabetes or glaucoma such as Acetazolamide and Methazolamide
- Medications for Gout
- Medications that prevent or treat Blood clots, including Apixaban, Clopidogrel, Enoxaparin, Heparin, Rivaroxaban and Warfarin
- Other Aspirin and Aspirin-like medications
- NSAIDs, which are medications for pain and inflammation like Ibuprofen or Naproxen
- Pemetrexed
- Sulfinpyrazone
- Varicella live vaccine
- Herbal supplements like Feverfew, Garlic, Ginger, Ginkgo Biloba and Horse Chestnut
What are the Risks and Warnings for Aspirin?
Aspirin and Allergy Warning
While uncommon, aspirin has the potential to trigger severe skin reactions, including skin reddening or peeling, a painful rash or the development of fluid-filled blisters. If you encounter any of these symptoms, it is crucial to discontinue aspirin use immediately and seek immediate medical attention
Aspirin and Alcohol Warning
Combining aspirin and alcohol can lead to specific gastrointestinal issues. When aspirin is mixed with alcohol, it can induce nausea and vomiting. Additionally, this combination has the potential to cause or exacerbate conditions such as ulcers, heartburn or stomach discomfort.
Warning With People with Certain Health Conditions
- Asthma and Bronchospasm: Exercise caution in patients with asthma or a history of NSAID-associated bronchospasm.
- Acquired Diathesis: Avoid aspirin in conditions like dengue or yellow hemorrhagic fever.
- Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) Deficiency: Aspirin can trigger acute intravascular hemolytic anemia in G6PD-deficient individuals.
- Reye Syndrome in Children: Do not use aspirin in children with viral infections to prevent Reye syndrome.
- Coagulopathies: Individuals with hemophilia should avoid all salicylates, including aspirin.
- Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Aspirin increases the risk, especially in those with peptic ulcers, gastritis, alcohol consumption or on warfarin.
- Liver or kidney disease
Warning with other Groups
Aspirin and Breastfeeding
Aspirin can be present in breast milk and it is necessary to make a thoughtful decision regarding whether to stop breastfeeding or to discontinue the use of the drug. This decision should consider the drug’s significance to the mother’s health.
Aspirin and Pregnancy
The use of aspirin during pregnancy should be approached cautiously during the first and second trimesters, with a careful consideration of whether the benefits outweigh the potential risks. This caution arises from animal studies indicating potential risks, as human studies are either unavailable or have not been conducted.
In the third trimester, aspirin should be reserved for life-threatening emergencies when no safer alternative is accessible. There is clear and positive evidence of potential fetal risk in humans during this stage of pregnancy. It is of utmost importance that patients do not use aspirin during the final three months of pregnancy unless explicitly directed to do so by a doctor, as it may lead to complications in the unborn child or during the delivery process.
Aspirin and Pediatric
Doctors typically do not advise the use of aspirin in individuals below the age of 18. This precaution is due to the potential elevation of the risk for a severe condition known as Reye’s syndrome, which may manifest following viral infections like colds, the flu or chickenpox. Reye’s syndrome can result in permanent brain damage or even be fatal.
Nevertheless, under clinical supervision, a healthcare provider may prescribe aspirin to a child in certain circumstances. This may include cases of Kawasaki disease or as a preventive measure against the formation of blood clots following heart surgery.
Expiration, Storage and Disposal
Do not use your Aspirin medication after the expiration date indicated on the packaging.
Aspirin should be stored at room temperature, 20 °C to 25 °C (68 F to 77 F), in a sealed container, avoiding moisture.
To responsibly dispose of medications, avoid flushing them down the toilet unless specific instructions on the label permit it. Seek out a take-back program that facilitates the return of unused drugs.
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What are the Alternatives of Aspirin ?
- Ibuprofen
- Acetaminophen
- Humira
- Enbrel
- Celebrex
- Remicade
- Diclofenac
- Cimzia
FAQs
Aspirin can be effective in alleviating menstrual pain. It belongs to a category of medications known as salicylates. Its mechanism of action involves diminishing the presence of substances in the body that trigger pain, fever and inflammation.
It is crucial to refrain from administering aspirin to cats, as it can be fatal to them. Cats lack the necessary enzyme for metabolizing salicylic acid effectively, leading to the potential accumulation of aspirin in their system, which can be highly toxic. Furthermore, many veterinarians no longer recommend the use of aspirin in dogs due to the risk of stomach ulcers and the possibility of bleeding.
As a general guideline, aspirin is typically avoided during pregnancy due to its potential negative impact on the fetus. However, lower doses of aspirin have been employed safely to prevent pregnancy-related complications. It’s important to note that aspirin can enter breast milk and may lead to adverse effects in the breastfeeding infant.
Baby aspirin is a colloquial term for low-dose aspirin. It’s referred to as such because it contains a lower strength of aspirin, typically 81 milligrams (mg), compared to the higher doses (usually 325 mg or greater) commonly used for relieving pain and fever.
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